Amazon strike: UK workers to stage first ever industrial action in dispute over pay
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
UK workers at Amazon will hold their first-ever strike later this month, it has been announced.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMembers of the GMB union based at a Coventry warehouse will walk out on Wednesday 25 January in a dispute over pay after voting in favour of industrial action.
Amanda Gearing, GMB senior organiser, said: “Amazon workers in Coventry are set to make history on January 25, becoming the first-ever Amazon workers in the UK to go on strike.
“They’ve shown they’re willing to put themselves on the line to fight for what’s right. But people working for one of the most valuable companies in the world shouldn’t have to threaten strike action just to win a wage they can live on.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“GMB urges Amazon UK bosses to give workers a proper pay rise and avoid industrial action.”
‘Zero impact on customers’
According to Sky News, Amazon has previously said that fewer than 300 of its 1,400 workers in Coventry are affiliated with the GMB and that there will be “zero impact” on customers because of the strike, adding that normal operations will continue.
The online giant pointed out that the Coventry site is a centre providing stock to its UK centres and not a fulfilment centre that directly services customer orders.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAn Amazon spokesperson said: “We appreciate the great work our teams do throughout the year and we’re proud to offer competitive pay which starts at a minimum of between £10.50 and £11.45 per hour, depending on location.
“This represents a 29% increase in the minimum hourly wage paid to Amazon employees since 2018. Employees are also offered comprehensive benefits that are worth thousands more—including private medical insurance, life assurance, subsidised meals and an employee discount, to name a few.”
The threatened action comes at a time of wider industrial unrest as thousands of workers across the UK - including rail workers, highway workers, and NHS staff walk out on strike.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdUnions across the public and private sectors are seeking pay rises in line with inflation and the cost of living crisis.
In his first major speech of 2023, Rishi Sunak vowed to deliver “peace of mind” to the public as his government grapples with the ongoing disruption of strike action and an NHS under severe pressure.
The Prime Minister pledged to halve inflation this year, grow the economy, make sure national debt is falling, cut NHS waiting lists and pass new laws to stop small boats.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe described the five promises as the “people’s priorities”, adding: “No tricks… no ambiguity… we’re either delivering for you or we’re not. We will rebuild trust in politics through action, or not at all. So, I ask you to judge us on the effort we put in and the results we achieve.”
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.